FBI says it disrupted a New Year’s Eve attack plan inspired by Islamic State groupBy GARY D. ROBERTSON and ERIK VERDUZCOAssociated PressThe Associated PressCHARLOTTE, N.C.The FBI says it disrupted a New Year’s Eve attack plot in North Carolina, arresting an 18-year-old who allegedly pledged loyalty to the Islamic State group. Christian Sturdivant is charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization. Authorities say he shared plans with an undercover FBI employee to use knives and hammers to carry out the attacks. Sturdivant was arrested Wednesday and remains in custody. An attorney representing him did not respond Friday to requests seeking comment. The investigation began last month after authorities linked Sturdivant to a social media account that posted content supportive of IS.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The FBI said Friday it disrupted a New Year’s Eve attack plot targeting a grocery store and fast-food restaurant in North Carolina, arresting an 18-year-old man who authorities say pledged loyalty to the Islamic State group.
Christian Sturdivant was charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization. Investigators said he told an undercover FBI employee posing as a supportive confidant about his plans to attack people. Their online messages, along with a recent search of his home, indicated attacks would occur with knives and hammers, according to prosecutors and records.
Worried Sturdivant might attempt violence before New Year’s Eve, the FBI placed him under constant surveillance for days, including on Christmas, U.S. Attorney for Western North Carolina Russ Ferguson said…